A Christian illusionist will perform for students and church youth groups Sunday as a local faith organization begins a new year of events.
Unite C’ville invites Christian entertainers and speakers to Crawfordsville in an effort to bring together teenagers from across local schools and churches.
The free event featuring Bryan Drake begins at 6 p.m. at New Hope Christian Church. The Alabama-based performer has appeared on stage with For King and Country, Jeremy Camp and other chart-topping praise music groups.
“I’ve seen the kind of crowds that he has,” said New Hope Christian Church youth pastor Tyler Smith, who started the group with another youth minister. “He’s gone to big conferences and had really good reviews from students and adults that go to the show.”
Nearly 20 youth groups have been in attendance at Unite C’ville’s events. A Christian rap concert was held at Milligan Park and the chaplain for the Indianapolis Colts spoke at Southmont High School.
No dates have been set for this year’s other activities, which could include a summer bash or back-to-school event.
For at least one of the students, the group has inspired a career in the pulpit. The student was battling depression when they attended a Unite C’ville event after spending years away from the church.
“This week, they’re moving to Bible college to get into ministry,” Smith said.
The group relies on donations from churches and families and is looking for more churches and sponsors to fund events. A GoFundMe page has been set up at www.gofundme.com/f/unitecville.
For more information, find the group on Facebook.
